TapSafetyReport
F1/100

Prichard Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 28,803 residents · Alabama

What's In Prichard's Tap Water?

76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
chlorate
480.00 µg/L—Above Goal

EPA Violation History

14

Violations (last 5yr)

6

Unresolved

6

Health-Related

TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPRVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: May 10, 2023 – August 20, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: May 10, 2023 – August 20, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: February 15, 2023 – May 14, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: February 15, 2023 – May 14, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: November 9, 2022 – February 19, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: November 9, 2022 – February 19, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 10, 2022 – November 20, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 10, 2022 – November 20, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

Understanding violation severity

Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly

Water Utility Details

PRICHARD WATER WORKS BOARD
Population Served

28,803

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

AL0001015

Frequently Asked Questions About Prichard Water

Is Prichard tap water safe to drink?

Prichard, Alabama tap water receives a grade of F (1/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 48 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Prichard's water?

Of the 76 contaminants tested in Prichard's water supply, the most notable include chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Prichard have any water quality violations?

Yes, Prichard has 48 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MCL, MR, Other. 12 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Prichard?

Prichard water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.

Where does Prichard's tap water come from?

Prichard's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by PRICHARD WATER WORKS BOARD. The system serves approximately 28,803 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Prichard's water tested?

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Prichard's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.

How does Prichard's water compare to other cities in Alabama?

Prichard's water quality score of 1/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Alabama state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Prichard's water quality?

If you have concerns about Prichard's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (PRICHARD WATER WORKS BOARD) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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